Skip to main content
UKDRI
Search
Main content
Astrocytes on the blood vessel

BHF-UK DRI Centre for Vascular Dementia Research

David Atwell

Prof David Attwell

Centre Director

Investigating how the brain’s energy supply is reduced by a decrease of blood flow in both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia

Prof David Attwell

We aim to understand the mechanisms causing blood vessel dysfunction so we can find new treatments for people living with vascular dementia.

BHF logo

It is estimated that 30% of dementia cases worldwide could be attributable to risk factors such as diabetes, midlife hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and obesity among others. Specifically, midlife hypertension is one of the major contributors to vascular dementia. 

In partnership with the British Heart Foundation, the BHF-UK DRI Centre for Vascular Dementia Research is the UK’s flagship investment in vascular dementia research, uniting leading researchers in the field under a single virtual ‘roof’. 

The Centre seeks to unravel the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying vascular dementia and to develop targeted therapeutic interventions. By focusing on the often-underestimated role of blood vessels in dementia pathogenesis, the team aim to revolutionise our understanding and treatment of vascular dementia.

People

Type